May 8, 2013
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. / Alex Livesey, Getty

by Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY

by Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY

LONDON â?? English Premier League champions Manchester United's longtime manager Sir Alex Ferguson said on Wednesday that he plans to retire on May 19 after more than a quarter of a century in English soccer.

"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time," Ferguson said in announcement on the club's website.

In 27 years at Manchester United, Ferguson has won 13 domestic league titles and two Champions League trophies. He is the most successful manager in English soccer history.

After he retires, Ferguson will join the Manchester United board as a director.

Later this summer Ferguson will undergo hip surgery and there is speculation that his health may have played a role in his decision to step down.

A replacement has not yet been named.

Manchester United has a partial listing (MANU) on the New York Stock Exchange.